'Memorial Project Nha Trang, Vietnam'(2001)

'Memorial Project Nha Trang, Vietnam'(2001)

'Memorial Project Nha Trang, Vietnam- 'Towards the Complex-For the Courageous, the Curious and the Cowards', (2001) is a video project by Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba.

Research this project to identify the ideas behind the work. Can you connect some of the concepts and ideas from the renaissance, Enlightenment or Modernism with the work. Discuss your answer.

Discuss how do you think the title of the work reflects

the artists' intentions?

The idea of using cyclos under the water because Hatsushiba has been looking at cyclos and their drivers since I arrived in Vietnam back in 1994. Cyclo is such a traditional transport that back in the old time, however the cities expand and develop, fewer streets will allow cyclos. As modern means of transportation, such as taxis, become more popular with modern business, cyclos become less and less in demand. In the near future, we may see them only as tourist attractions. Hatsushiba remodeled cyclo and its function has the same way as traditional cyclos, he was trying to revitalize the design by accenting some areas like the front section. He also used more curves to make the cyclos sportier. Also, with one of the new cyclos, he used stainless steel bars for the frame.

Hatsushiba used video to present his art work because he thinks it is a interesting and more memorial way to remind people that in today's society not many people value the old. People chasing new and fashion .Colonial houses are destroyed for new multi-story apartment buildings. Even old trees are cut to broaden streets. He thinks cyclos are still refurbished if anyone needs them fixed; however, this happens less and less.

This work really bring view lots of thought about modernism. Technology is developing still, things like computers, cameras, cellphones always updated so fast, it is so fast that we don't have enough time to follow, not everyone can afford to use the newest product. Hatsushiba used a Sony single CCD miniDV video camera with an underwater camera housing which he purchased a year ago. He mention that the quality of equipment that he uses has improved since the first video. The second and third videos were shot with similar cameras to the first. For the fourth video, he upgraded to a 3CCD camera. The recent video in Laos was shot with a Sony HD (but not yet full HD). Technology keeps moving forward and sometimes it can get in the way. This is also a symbol related to the idea of enlightenment. People always need to test on new things to create more. As you can see these people in the video are walking really slow with cyclo, the speed is opposite to the speed that technology is developing today.I think I feel a spiritual connection to many things beyond my work. He was getting goose bumps looking down at the bottom of the ocean where he had placed the mosquito nets. He interprets goose bumps as an interaction with the supernatural.

reference:

http://www.nyartbeat.com/nyablog/2008/07/for-the-courageous-the-curious-and-the-cowards/

http://www.asiasociety.org/arts-culture/asia-society-museum/past-exhibitions/vietnam-memorial-work-jun-nguyen-hatsushiba

http://www.lehmannmaupin.com/#/artists/jun-nguyen-hatsushiba/